Lot 134: A PAIR OF ILLUMINATED QUR'AN FRONTISPIECE FOLIOS IN THE ILKHANID STYLE.
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A pair of illuminated manuscript folios, likely serving as a double-page frontispiece (sarlawh or unwan) from a monumental manuscript, possibly a Qur’an. Each folio features a central square panel executed in gold leaf, deep blue (lapis lazuli), and reddish-maroon pigments on a cream-coloured paper substrate. The central field of each page contains four large, interconnected roundels filled with dense, scrolling foliate and arabesque motifs in gold. These are bordered by an intricate, interlocking geometric band in gold and surmounted by an arched decorative heading with a central circular finial medallion. The illumination style, characterised by the use of complex geometric interlace and high-quality gold work against a dark blue ground, is consistent with the decorative programme of the Ilkhanid period, particularly the 14th-century Baghdad school of manuscript production.
Approximately 63.5 x 52.5cm
Condition report:
The paper substrate shows overall toning and oxidation consistent with age. There is scattered foxing and some light staining throughout both folios. Minor abrasions and small areas of pigment loss are visible, particularly around the margins and within the gold borders. The folios are framed and glazed and have not been examined out of the frame.
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